Dugout Discussion – Saturday

Saturday’s action continues with a batch of five afternoon kick-offs with the main focus on events at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City host Hull City, with all eyes on the performance and output of Sergio Aguero.

More than 550,000 or 12.5% have trusted the Argentine with the Gameweek captaincy having seen him provide four goals in his previous five outings. Aguero will be expected to produce, even without the service of Kevin De Bruyne in midfield – the Belgian is rested to the bench by Pep Guardiola.

Elsewhere, the Liverpool teamsheet at Stoke City sends shockwaves, with both Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino named among the substitutes. The former – owned by 919,132 (20.6%) – has just recovered from a bout of illness, while Firmino – part of 539,647 (12.1%) of squads – is apparently fatigued and therefore preserved.

At the London Stadium, Andy Carroll is only considered for a bench role against Swansea City having recently suffered further problems with his groin. Fernando Llorente returns from his own injury concerns but only makes the bench for the visitors.

Middlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo is another striker benched today – he’s dropped by manager Steve Agnew who opts to retain Rudy Gestede with Cristhian Stuani also getting the nod.

Finally, there’s no return for Southampton’s Manolo Gabbiadini at The Hawthorns, while West Brom relegate Chris Brunt to the bench as Matt Phillips earns a recall.